20 Best Things To Do In Santa Barbara On A Cruise

Nestled along California’s coastline, Santa Barbara offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Whether you’re arriving by private vehicle or cruise ship, there are plenty of things to do in Santa Barbara.

From exploring the city’s Mediterranean-style architecture and vibrant art scene to relaxing by the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara has something for everyone.

With its year-round mild climate, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including water sports and hiking. So why not take a break from the fast-paced city life and discover the enchanting haven of Santa Barbara?

It’s a 90-minute drive from Los Angeles, but it feels like a world away. If visiting Santa Barbara as part of a Pacific Coastal cruise, the city has no cruise port. So, passengers must use tender boats to reach the city.

However you arrive, let’s explore 20 activities you can enjoy in Santa Barbara.

1. Go Whale Watching

Visiting Santa Barbara between November and April? Go whale watching. The California coastal areas offer one of the best places to see whales along the west coast.

Gray whales migrate from warm Baja waters to Alaska, and their journey brings them right past Santa Barbara. Outside gray whale season, humpbacks, playful dolphins, and even rare sightings of fin, minke, or blue whales are possible.

Choose a small yacht for a close-knit experience or a larger catamaran for a steadier ride. The latter offers a more stable ride for those prone to motion sickness.

It’s important to note the Marine Mammal Protection Act requires boaters to keep a distance of at least 100 yards from whales unless the whale initiates contact. While whales have been known to approach boats, it’s important to respect their space.

2. Rent A Bike

Santa Barbara’s waterfront is perfect for a bike ride, and rentals are cheap and easy to find. Pick your ride. Regular bikes are great, but e-bikes give you a boost on hills and long rides. Want more fun? We suggest a four-wheeled Surrey with room for kids up front.

Traveling light? Add a boogie board or beach chair to your rental for a few extra bucks. Sun, surf, and wheels, what more do you need?

Cruise beyond the waterfront to explore the city or ride up to Old Mission Santa Barbara.

3. Tour The County Courthouse

Architecturally beautiful, Santa Barbara County Courthouse showcases the Spanish Colonial Revival style with intricate detailing both inside and out. Located at 735 Anacapa Street, there’s no fee, but visitors must go through a security check first.

Its white stucco exterior, with a classic red tile roof and a clocktower, adds to its charm. But it’s inside where the building really shines. Inside the entrance, look up to admire its gold and crimson ceiling, illuminated by an iron lamp. A beautifully tiled staircase leads to the second floor.

For many, the Mural Room provides the highlight of the tour. Here, colorful frescoes depicting scenes from Santa Barbara’s past adorn the space, captivating everyone who visits.

Another staircase leads to the top of the clock tower, but not before seeing Bisno Schall Clock Gallery. Once hidden from view, a renovation in 2012 allows visitors to see the fascinating timepiece.

A few steps more, and we were rewarded with panoramic views of Santa Barbara and the surrounding mountains. The tower offers a unique vantage point to appreciate the city’s beauty and admire the architectural details of the courthouse below.

4. Visit The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is a top shore excursion, just an hour’s bus ride from Santa Barbara. If it’s a must-visit, book immediately because it sells out quickly.

Set in Simi Valley, the museum offers a deep dive into Reagan’s life and legacy. The star attraction? Air Force One. Step aboard the actual plane Reagan flew in as President.

The replica Oval Office gives visitors a feel for life in the White House. Exhibits include artifacts, photos, and interactive displays covering Reagan’s journey from actor to President.

The hilltop setting offers stunning views of the Pacific and surrounding mountains. Don’t miss the peaceful memorial where Ronald and Nancy Reagan are buried.

5. See A Movie At The Arlington Theater

The Arlington Theatre is Santa Barbara’s largest, with over 2,000 seats and stunning Spanish Colonial design. Built in 1931, it hosts movies, concerts, and comedy shows. The acoustics are excellent, making it a favorite for big-name acts.

Its standout feature? “The Paseo,”a covered outdoor lobby with Spanish arches, a tiled fountain, and a mural of dancers. You can also rent the venue for events. Even if you skip the show, it’s worth a stop downtown.

Grab popcorn or a drink before the show. Inside, it feels like a Spanish village, with building facades flanking the seating area.

6. Ride The Santa Barbara Trolley

The Santa Barbara Trolley provides a popular way to see and hear about the city’s sights from for comfort of a trolley bus. Unlike a hop-on hop-off bus, guests enjoy a 90-minute circuit without the hop-off privileges.

Tours depart from the Visitor Center at 1 Garden Street if purchased directly with the company. Pick up and drop off are at the tender area if you’ve purchased from your cruise line.

During the tour, expect to see major attractions, including the Santa Barbara Harbor, Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Zoo, and the Funk Zone.

Tickets are inexpensive, without weekday passes slightly cheaper. Fifteen trolleys run on a 10 am, 12 noon, and 2 pm schedule and are first-come, first-serve basis. These passes offer great value and allow you to see the local attractions on a nostalgic trolley ride.

7. Explore State Street

You’ll find State Street in downtown Santa Barbara, with a 10-block promenade featuring quaint shops and the best restaurants. While a complimentary shuttle takes you to the top of State Street, it’s a great place to explore on foot.

​The open-air shopping experience is reminiscent of towns in Europe. The wide sidewalks in many blocks allow restaurants to have outdoor patios.

Sections of the street are closed to traffic, allowing you to wander on the road when the neighborhood gets busy. Exploring the street, you’ll find unusual finds such as Insomnia Cookies, Lokum Turkish Delight & Baklava, and Seaside Makers.

Being Celiac, I was thrilled to stumble upon Lilac Patisserie, a dedicated gluten-free cafe and bakery. Open from 8 am to 3 pm, you can enjoy gluten-free avocado toast, quiche Lorraine, freshly made sandwiches, or cakes!

8. Visit The Funk Zone

Located between Highway 101 and Amtrak railway, the Funk Zone offers a vibrant neighborhood known for its artistic and cultural scene. It features art galleries, boutique shops, craft breweries, wine-tasting rooms, and trendy restaurants.

The area is renowned for its urban and industrial atmosphere, with converted warehouses and buildings now housing a variety of creative businesses.

For wine and beer enthusiasts, the neighborhood offers an array of tasting rooms and craft breweries such as Validation Ale and Test Pilot.

You can indulge in tastings of exquisite local wines, often produced from nearby vineyards, or savor a craft beer brewed locally.

9. Visit Santa Barbara Mission

The Santa Barbara Mission, founded in 1786, blends Spanish and Chumash cultures in its stunning design.

Still an active church, it welcomes visitors outside service hours. Known as the “Queen of the Missions,” it features two bell towers, a rose garden, a museum, a historic church, and cemetery.

Explore on your own or join a guided one-hour tour Friday through Sunday.

10. Tour Santa Barbara On A Segway

See Santa Barbara on a Segway; it’s faster than walking and easy to ride. Just bring a camera or small bag. Riders must be 12+ and between 100–300 lbs. Choose a one-hour ride or add a second hour for $20 more.

The short tour rolls from the Funk Zone past West and East Beach to the Andree Clark Bird Refuge, home to a 29-acre lake and many bird species.

The longer trip travels further to Butterfly Beach in Montecito, and you’ll enjoy the city’s historic landmarks on the way. Since the tour only takes one to two hours, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the downtown area afterward.

11. Walk Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf is a beloved landmark that offers a delightful experience for visitors of all ages. This historic pier stretches into the Pacific Ocean, with West Beach bordering it on each side.

Reminiscent of seaside piers in England but on a smaller scale, the wharf offers a hub of activity. The pier is home to several restaurants serving fresh seafood and local cuisine.

You can’t go wrong with breakfast at Moby Dick, wine tasting at the Deep Sea Tasting Room, or fresh oysters from The Harbor Restaurant.

Additionally, the wharf boasts an assortment of shops, including boutiques, gift stores, and art galleries; you can even purchase a palm reading.

12. Do The Red Tile Walking Tour

If you love Spanish architecture and photography, this walking tour is for you. Starting and ending at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, this 7-stop tour takes you to see 22 historic buildings in the downtown area.

Along the way, you’ll encounter notable landmarks, such as a magnificent Spanish Colonial Revival building with stunning panoramic views from its clock tower.

The tour also includes stops at the Old Mission Santa Barbara, known for its picturesque gardens and exquisite architecture. You’ll discover the history of each tiled roof building, some of them dating back to the 1700s.

If you’re not a fan of the white stucco abodes with red tile roofs, you will be after this excursion.

13. Explore The Sea Center

The Santa Barbara Sea Center makes a great daytime activity if you’re traveling with children. The Sea Center offers visitors an immersive and educational experience on the Stearns Wharf.

Opened in 1986, the center boasts a vibrant touch tank, allowing guests to interact with various marine creatures from the Santa Barbara Channel. The Swell Sharks, sea urchins, anemones, and sea stars are a huge hit with the kids.

The center isn’t big, so don’t expect a big city production like the San Diego Seaworld. However, the venue has a range of interactive exhibits highlighting the local marine ecosystem, and you’ll enjoy your visit with fewer people.

So, expect to be captivated by displays of colorful fish, mesmerizing jellyfish, and intricate coral reefs. Throughout the center, informative displays provide insights into the behaviors of marine life.

14. Visit The Wolf Museum Of Exploration

MOXI, the Santa Barbara Wolf Museum of Exploration & Innovation, blends science, tech, art, and play. It’s hands-on, family-friendly, and fun for all ages. Build a race car, make music, or explore space. Kids learn by doing, and adults stay entertained.

The rooftop deck offers great views. Plan to spend two to four hours, depending on your pace. If you’re looking for something playful and interactive, MOXI delivers.

15. See The Chumash Painted Caves

Just 20–25 minutes from Santa Barbara, Chumash Painted Caves State Park offer a glimpse into ancient culture and stunning natural surroundings.

These caves display vivid pictographs. Explore the symbols, animals, and figures, all painted with natural pigments by the Chumash people. Admission is free. The Caves are a protected archaeological site, and visitors are advised not to touch or disturb the works of art.

Hike, picnic, or relax in this peaceful, historic spot. It’s a quiet connection to California’s past.

16. Take A Road Trip To Solvang

To visit Solvang from Santa Barbara, you take a scenic drive or use public transportation. If you’re driving, expect the journey to take 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can book a tour through your cruise line.

A charming Danish village, Solvang offers lots things to do. Located in the Santa Ynez Valley, it is known for its unique architecture, Danish heritage, and rich cultural experiences.

Here, you can admire the Danish-style buildings, complete with windmills, timber-framed structures, and colorful facades.

Solvang is famous for its delectable Danish pastries, including aebleskiver (round pancakes) and buttery pastries like kringle and wienerbrød. A day trip isn’t complete without indulging in these Danish treats and sampling Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Santa Ynez Valley.

Other attractions include the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art, Hans Christian Andersen Park, and a replica of the Little Mermaid statue from Copenhagen.

​17. Visit The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Gardeners will be captivated by a visit to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, this 78-acre garden showcases diverse plant species that are native to California.

During a visit, you can explore over five miles of walking trails that wind through a variety of natural landscapes. From towering redwood forests to cactus-lined deserts, the gardens showcase the diverse flora of the California region.

With over 1,000 different plant species to discover, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

You’ll find the gardens more wild and less controlled than European grounds, but that adds to the appeal of this place.

Be sure to visit the Pritzlaff Conservation Center, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Channel Islands.

18. See The Old Theaters

The old theaters in Santa Barbara hold a captivating history that has enchanted generations of theatergoers. The Arlington Theater, a majestic Spanish Colonial Revival gem, was built in 1931 and remains an iconic landmark.

Next on the list is the Metro 4, which opened its doors in 1925. Originally known as the Granada Theater, it underwent renovations and was reborn as the Metro 4, providing a modern cinematic experience while preserving its historic charm.

Speaking of the Granada Theater, it was established in 1924 and is a true testament to Santa Barbara’s cultural heritage. Over the years, this elegant venue has showcased countless live performances, including opera, ballet, and symphony concerts.

Lastly, the Lobero Theater is a Spanish-style building constructed in 1873. The Lobero holds the distinction of being California’s oldest continuously operating theater.

Throughout its long history, it has welcomed renowned artists and performers from various disciplines. All four theaters are within walking distance of each other so that you can visit all within an hour.

19. Browse The Museum Of Art

Located at 1130 State Street, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art stands as a beacon of artistic expression. Founded in 1941, it houses a collection of visual masterpieces spanning centuries and cultures.

Open from Tuesdays to Sundays, you can enjoy revolving exhibits from paintings and sculptures to photography and installations. While tickets are reasonably priced, you can enjoy free entry on Thursdays from 5 pm to 9 pm.

The museum isn’t large and won’t compare to the Louvre. However, its specialty exhibits are wonderful, inspiring and enriching the city’s cultural landscape.

Outside the museum, you will find stunning mosaics along the waterfront. The sidewalk art additions add an artsy element to this beachside city.

20. Head To The Beach

If your idea of vacationing means doing nothing, Santa Barbara has you covered. Located near the cruise port, East Beach and West Beach are popular choices for visitors seeking a convenient seaside escape.

These beaches boast stunning views and a vibrant atmosphere. For those in search of the best sand, Leadbetter Beach stands out with its soft, golden shoreline and ample space for sunbathing and beach games. Its calm waters also make it suitable for swimming.

When it comes to family-friendly options, Shoreline Park Beach and Butterfly Beach shine. Shoreline Park Beach features a playground, picnic areas, and calm waters, making it ideal for children.

Although not as sandy, Butterfly Beach offers tide pools and gentle waves, perfect for little explorers.

Wrap It Up

As you can see, you’ll have plenty of things to do in Santa Barbara on a port day.

This quaint seaside town offers more than just palm trees, sandy beaches, and sunshine. From historic architecture and intriguing museums to wine tasting, it provides the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and rich experiences.

Its vibrant downtown boasts a myriad of boutique shops, art galleries, and delectable dining options, ensuring a delightful experience for all.

Nature enthusiasts can explore the enchanting Santa Ynez Mountains. With its rich history, visitors can explore the iconic Old Mission Santa Barbara and immerse themselves in the city’s cultural heritage.

After one visit, it might become your favorite port on your California Coastal cruise.